One final post

Originally I had this goal to write about one awesome person each day. So when I didn't succeed, or even come close, I felt as if I failed. But was my goal really to write about people? No. My goal was to see something good in each day and I was going to do so by focusing on the people I meet. Sure 365 people and days was a bit lofty but in actuality, I never failed. Failure is in your head. I mean, what is failure and no decides when a person fails?

I met my goal to find good in each day and although it wasn't the path I set out on to achieve it, it still was accomplished.

Saying all of this, I hope you set goals and you find a way to achieve them to your standards. You are who determines your failures and your successes and your path is unique. You are the only one who will do exactly as you do and there is no one who can accurately tell you how to run your path.

From myself,
Inspire a better world. Change your thought process. Believe in yourself. Edify others.

Day 66 (Tuesday) - My future SIL

I have a future sister-in-law and her name is Jessica Pierson. She is Casey's older sis and I must say, she is pretty nifty. By the way, that is their family dog, Embry.

So what did Jessica happen to do this fine day? Well, I emailed her an overly long message filled with questions, ideas and plans. Within a few hours she not only replied but blew me away with how detailed her information was. Some of the advice she gave about promotions (for my capstone project) I plan to save for future reference once I'm at a real place. :)

Jessica is one very thoughtful person who stretches herself thin to help those around her. I know she is awesome because of Casey, she happens to be one of his idols, but now I'm beginning to realize why he thinks so highly of her.

Day 65 (Monday) - Amy Roff

Amy Roff is the overall supervisor of the Oklahoma Serves program under AmeriCorps. She is great with emails, questions, concerns and anything a member might think of. She has the best memory of names and faces. It kind of makes me jealous.

It's great to have someone on my side and in charge of me.

Thanks again for your speedy replies.

Day 64 (Sunday) - Ihop

I know I write a lot about the servers of IHOP, but have you been there? Today I wanted to write about how awesome IHOP is in general. No specific server, mostly because I forgot his name, but IHOP as a whole.

Free wi-fi unlimited refills of coffee, soda and splashberries.

An atmosphere that changes every few hours and different approach by the serves with each change. The workers are very adaptable to this ever-changing IHOP culture.

Anyways, way to go IHOP, way to go.

Day 63 (Saturday) - Dr. Brett Sharp

I wish all professors were awesome. I sent a lovely email that ended with: "Sincerely, Lost and Confused."

I had nothing left. I was so far past done trying to work on my projects that I had just (temporarily) given up. I mean, when you think you know what your doing, then spend two days running around in circles and finally realize that your lost, it feels like crap.

I work very hard for my grades and one research and literature review paper managed to make me feel like I was back in elementary school falling asleep on my homework in the middle of the night. I hated then and I hated this.

However, I refuse to give up without asking for help. So, before chocolate consumption and Facebook time, I emailed Dr. Brett Sharp and explained my confusion. Less than a day later, I had a decent response, followed shortly after by an amazing response. Professor Sharp went into great detail about what I should do and how to go about doing it. When I say detail, his emails were probably over two pages long. To some this would be overwhelming, to me it was crucial. I thrive on detail, organization and structure. This is what I needed to allow me to reach my potential.

He then figured my confusion was the same as others, so he asked if he could share our emails. Of course I said yes, but it was nice of him to ask.

Anyways, I just want everyone to know that although I hear his tests are hard (crossing my fingers they aren't) if a course offers Dr. Sharp as a professor, TAKE HIM.

Day 62 (Friday) - Mitch McFarland

Mitch. He is quickly becoming one of my closest guy friends. I'm really lucky to have a friend that I can text at any time about anything. He is very objective, and blunt, which is why I think I listen to what he says better than a lot of people.

I didn't even know I needed to vent/rant until I arrived at his place. It was great just to sit back, laugh, share life tales and share advice.

Now our friendship was not always like this. In fact, I'm surprised we are friends after what I did to him. This is only partially out of context, but I belittled the guy and basically called him a looser.

That night I felt awful as soon as I said those things. I tried to avoid him the rest of that semester at OCCC, but since we were in class together, that was difficult.

After that, I figured no problem. Then I started dating Casey and guess who one of his best friends was? Mitch. I told Casey what I had done and one day all three of us were driving in a car when Mitch decided to ask me if I still thought he was a loser.

I spent the rest of that car ride explaining how stupid I was and that I didn't think that then nor now but I word-vomited horrible things.

I'm not sure how we went from that to now, but I'm glad. And to anyone that meets Mitch, it's easy to see why he is such a cool guy. :)

***Shameless plug: Mitch is an actor and a really good one. You should hire him.***

Day 61 (Thursday) - Jaime Thomas

Have you ever met a person as a child and then happen to work with them later on, only to find out this person went from shy to a public speaker? Well neither had I until Thursday.

Let me tell you about miss Jaime, she is awesome. We grew up down the street from one another. I remember her showing up at my house with a basketball ready to shoot some hoops.

So what did Miss Jaime do?

She came to my after-school program and shared her Indian culture. She gave food, dressed two of the students in traditional attire, showed pictures, taught a dance move and translated different words.

This was a very last minute ordeal and she came more prepared than any speaker I think we've had this entire school year. I was blown away.

Thanks SOOOOO much Jaime!

Day 60 (Wednesday) - Joe Hight

Wednesday was the Liberal Arts Symposium and Mr. Joe Hight was one of the main speakers of the day. I've seen Hight at several functions since first meeting him almost three years ago and it never ceases to amaze me his willingness to give back.

Hight is constantly speaking with students and helping with newspapers. I remember at the Pioneer he was an influential person. Now as a UCO student I see his footprint in scholarships, donation drives and the newspapers.

I may not know him personally, but from what I can tell, he is a pretty cool dude. I mean come one, he tweeted me back.

Day 59 (Tuesday) - Angela

Oh dear Angela.

It's been a while since our times in elementary school but you have always been a sweetheart.

When short on ideas for a culture activity about India, this wonderful chica was more than willing to connect me with someone who could be of help.

You rock!

Day 58 (Monday) - UCO Student Pres

It's pretty awesome when one person will stand outside a class just talking about things and giving you advice. I really have to give the UCO student President props. I have so many ideas on how I will one day write a letter to the governor asking for a pardon for my friend.

Thanks!

Day 57 - JoJo Durst

Have you ever needed help on an assignment last minute so you find a volunteer in Italy? Probably not, but I can now cross that off my list.

I Facebook messaged several people begging them to video themselves answering two questions. This was for my media ethics course and I was unaware of this assignment, my bad. Luckily I recruited my cousin's friend, who is now studying in Italy. She also convinced her Italian friend to do the same. Around midnight their time, after finishing their homework, they recorded and sent me the videos. PERFECT! I now had the two videos required for my assignment.

So never let things, especially distance, get in your way. Share your story, ask for help and give thanks and appreciation along the way.

THANK YOU JOJO DURST AND YOUR FRIEND!!!

Day 56 - TORUS

Aha! I’m caught up now. Today I attended Texas Oklahoma Research Undergraduate Symposium, TORUS. Although math is not my thing, whatsoever in any fashion, I will always support my fiancé who happens to major in math. I politely worked on homework as I waited for Casey to present his research but throughout the day, I noticed something. The people in attendance, students and professors alike, were really appreciative and congratulatory to each other. Edification was EVERYWHERE. I felt really proud to be a student at UCO during this awesome event.

Day 55 - Air Comfort Solutions tech

Have you ever had a day so awful that you saw no bright spot? Well, this was one of those days that tested me to search for the good in the day. I woke up late, went to school in Thursday’s clothes, did my hair at a stoplight, lost my credit card, hit my head on the car and found out I had to replace my air conditioning unit. So, the silver lining? The air conditioning guy was a down-to-earth guy who gave me the facts straight and let me decide for myself what to do. I found out later that he gave me retail value for the system without even mentioning it to me. He didn’t take credit for it, but gave it to me nonetheless. Although I’m still curled in a ball over the price I have to cough up, it’s nice to know I got a good deal.

Besides a deal, he gave me wonderful conversation (minus all the actual things he was there for.) It turns out he had been to Costa Rica as well! I wish we had figured this out sooner because I wanted to just chat with him for an hour or two about it and compare more stories. I finally met someone who had seen the same places I had and he had to leave. Ah well, it was amazing.

Day 54 - Robert's Dad

Thank you to Robert’s dad for buying Girl Scout cookies from me and supporting my nieces in the process. Also, thank you for buying an even amount so my nieces can split the sell from the cookies.

Day 53- Melissa Hayt

Last night I received an email saying I was nominated by Melissa Hayt for a UCO award. This made my day not because I might get an award but because I was nominated. Someone thought I was awesome, which is always a positive feeling.

Melissa is probably, no certainly, one of the most hardworking people I know. Every time I think I have her roles memorized, she picks up another. She is the advisor to the Transfer Leadership Council, is a full-time employee in Leadership Central at UCO and she is a graduate student. Melissa previously earned both her bachelors and masters degrees. Now she is working on her doctorate. When I think I'm too busy, lack time or need more energy, I think of her.

She has homework, home life, work and leadership obligations. She is a wonderful person whom we should all aim to gain h attributes of dedication, hard work and a willingness to help others no matte what is on her plate.

Day 52 - AmeriCorps speakers

Today is hard to write about. I met so many wonderful people with inspiring stories that it's difficult to pin-point one awesome moment.

(A few minutes later)

Speakers, I love speakers. At my AmeriCorps training, a few members prepared a powerpoint and speech for us. Some of them volunteered but I'm pretty sure most of them were "voluntold."

Do you remember giving a speech in front of a room full of people? If not, can you imagine it? It's nerve wracking even to prepared speakers. So to each person who took the time to share their story in front of all of us, thanks. I appreciate your wealth of knowledge.

Day 51 - Positive encouragement

Monday, oh dear Monday. Monday was not my day. It all started with getting cereal in my eyes, yes, in my eyes - don't judge. It then went okay until I had pointed out to me a paper I completely forgot about. No it wasn't due yet, but it was due soon. So I wondered, how many other big projects are coming. up. So as my professor was lecturing I began searching and writing down all my major projects. As I did this, my hands became sweaty, my heart rate picked up and my forehead drew many wrinkles. I was officially entering the land of "Holy crap, I don't know if I can make it through this final semester. Why did I do this to myself? I'm such an idiot for attempting this. Geezes this sucks beyond all belief. Why did I pick up that second job? What am I doing to do?"

So after class, I did what most students needing to vent do, I posted on Facebook.

"Just realized I'm doomed. 20 credits, 40+pages of research, 30+ different sources, five cover-to-cover books and that's not including all the work and effort for the 100+ page PR campaign proposal. 75 days till graduation, 67 days till the final paper is due. I dislike my final semester with a passion...btw, I started my second job today."

Quickly there after, I had my first comment. Then another person posted, and another and then I had seven different people offering me words of encouragement.

• 

  Brooke Landes Hang in there!!

  Yesterday at 12:49pm ·
• 

  Michelle Elizabeth Schreck If anyone could do it, I know you can. (:

  Yesterday at 12:54pm ·
• 

  Jamie LaVarnway If college were easy, everybody would graduate. :/ One day at a time and I'll treat you in May! ;)

  Yesterday at 12:55pm ·
• 

  Lindsey Webster It'll be all worth it once you're done! Keep counting down the days and it'll be over with before ya know it :)

  Yesterday at 1:21pm ·
• 

  Taylor Elwell YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

  Yesterday at 3:08pm ·
• 

  Brandon Jefferson you arent one to back down from a challenge

  Yesterday at 4:44pm ·
• 

  Casey Thomas Pierson Destroy it!

I love my friends and future fiance. It's positive encouragement like this that helps to make a cloudy day seem beautiful.

Day 50 - The happy kid at IHOP

I know I continue to preach how much the little things mean to me, but it's TRUE. The smallest things mean the world to me. Today Casey and I went to IHOP to work on, you guessed it, homework. After a most interesting and slightly conversation with some workers there we were seated. On the way to our seat for the next several hours, we passed by a group of people that spanned three of four tables. I walked past this kid, maybe five years old, at the end. He looked straight up at me, smiled, gave me a huge wave and said in a loud but not yelling voice, "hello."

What CUTIE! Yep, made my day. His family laughed a bit and I promptly replied back, "why hello to you too!"

I think I might have made his day as well for his smile grew just a little bit more than his already happy face.

Day 49 - Habitat for Humanity

Okay, so I decided to be less stressed about posting these "on time." Instead, I will focus more on remembering a specific moment or person from each day and continue to post about a different one each day, just my posting day might be different than my actual day it occurred.

Yesterday I volunteered with my parents and the UCO Habitat for Humanity group. It was pretty cool, literally it was like 30 degrees. There were several people there and it was definitely an experience I think everyone should try at least once. We painted but I hope to volunteer on a day when they build things. I would love to learn a new skill, for free.

At least one of the people there was working on their 300 volunteer hours required for their Habitat for Humanity house to be built; a different one than the one we were working on.

Did you know?

• HfH homes are interest-free..
• HfH applicants must meet minimum earning requirements and be able to prove two years of consistent work history.
• HfH applicants must also volunteer 3oo hours for their house to be built.
• You should volunteer?

So my six minutes are well about over but I thought I would share this. Next month I plan to volunteer again with my family but this time at the Food Bank of Oklahoma. Want to join us?

Day 48 - The Wellness Center attendant

Doing the same job day after day is what many might call boring. I have witnessed wonderful guest service people turn into monsters over time because of the same things day after day. They are desensitized.

So to you, UCO Wellness Center attendant, thanks for having a positive and upbeat attitude.

Day 47 - Robert from Karate

I am a glowing mother today. No, I didn't have a kid instead I have dozens. My karate kid Robert made me a proud mama tonight. I have pushed this kid and probably have been one of the biggest "he is not ready yet" people in the dojo. Saying that, he exceeded my expectations.

Robert tested a few hours ago for his brown belt (two away from black.) He was pushed both physically and mentally and through it all, he persevered. Robert, my friends, is less than 11 years old. In fact, I believe he is eight. I have been pushing at him correcting issue after issue, nagging on him, being skeptical of his abilities and tonight he proved me wrong. He proved that even little kids can have what it takes to survive.

So to you Robert, congrats. I hope you celebrated with all your family and friends that were there to support you and I hope you remember this moment when it comes time for the next student to test for their brown belt.

Sincerely,

Sensei Jennifer

Day 46 - The students promoting awareness

I really must admit. I need to begin these sooner in the day. At point in the of day, I never do justice.

Today's blog is about the students who try to promote awareness at UCO. I'm not even suggesting any specific one but I have been there and it sucks. You stand outside passing out flyers, talking to random people and shouting intriguing messages. However, person after person passes you by. So to the students who have so much passion and continually put themselves out there, I applaud you.

Day 45 - My future mom in-law

As I'm driving home after hosting a valentines party at the after-school program, I get a call from Casey. His mom got us each a valentine. How cool is that?I'm not just an afterthought, I'm actually becoming a second-nature thought. L

ike if Casey gets a valentine, now I do too! This is just the neatest thing since the creation of pb&j sandwiches, my favorite kind.

Well enough about me and how inclusions in silly things like this is awesome, let me tell you

about Cheryl Pierson. First and foremost, she is Casey's mom. She is a writer and not just one that lives in a cardboard box. She is published and from what I can tell on Amazon reviews, a pretty dang good one.

Although any and all parents can be a pain. She is a cool future one to have.

Pics will come later.

And here is the pic....

Day 44 - Mary Kate Tener

Today's brag goes to Miss Mary Kate Tener.

Have you ever tried to make an organization with hardly any direction and your organization picked out for you? No, probably not. Even so, you might imagine how difficult this might be. Well Mary Kate and her team of people have done an EXTRAORDINARY job starting up the UCO Habitat for Humanity organization.

Starting off with just a few people, the group has recruited others, held meetings and even led their first build all within the same semester. Now as the second semester is on its' way, Mary Kate and her group have organized another two builds.

Mary Kate does all of this while maintaining her education, work and social life. She is positive force in this world and I'm glad to know that there is a person like this out there.

So congrats again to this hard working, dedicated, always positive person, Mary Kate Tener

Day 43 - Weatherman

Thank you for making weather interesting. I mean, Oklahoma weather is already ridiculous and always entertaining but you guys make it well, fun. The journalist side of me hates it, but today I write as a viewer and I find the coverage fascinating.

I'll continue my support as long as there is no more 24hr coverage of yes, it is still snowing outside.

Day 42 - Gordon from IHOP

To all IHOP employees, I'm well aware of your less-than-stellar managers. They are not leaders they are micromanagers, at least the ones in Oklahoma.

To Gordon who switched to the day shift at the Edmond location, WHY?!? First off, you rock! You know IHOP and all its quirks inside and out. I'm sorry you left us night owls and that we switched to a different location. It was nice seeing you again, even though you weren't technically our server.

Thanks for checking on us, for knowing to reboot the wifi without us even saying a word, refilling our drinks and for just being an overall nice guy even when it's midst a rush.

Thanks a million!

Day 41 - The guy who picked up a soda

Today was the viewer of a simple but very helpful act of kindness. The vending machine restocked was wheeling his items in when the top part toppled over and there went several soda bottles. Now I feel bad because I witnessed and did not help. However, there was a young man who was leaving the area and stopped at the door to pick up said fallen items. It was just the type of act that makes me smile. How many times do we see someone with their hands full and we pass on by or a person trying to open the door while they are on crutches? It's time we start helping. It's time we stop thinking someone else will do it and start thinking, "what can I do to help?"

Day 40 - Lady who might believe in me

The magnitude of importance believing in others has is unimaginable. I might have suggested an idea to create a volunteer center in my hometown and I was messages today by the person in charge asking me to meet with her.

I'm really excited and I hope I can share this passion with her as well!

Day 39 - Everyone

I suck and completely forgot to do this blog. So to everyone, you ALL rock! You make me smile when you post something ridiculous on Facebook or text me at the best times with the most random message. Thanks for being a positive influence on my life!

Yes, I know this is generic, but I've been sick lately and I really didn't think leaving and contaminating more people would be a positive thing.


So...how can you brighten someones day today?

Day 38 - The girl with the blonde hair

Let's just say today was filled with a few clouds. I went to help with the after-school program and this little girl I just met made my day. She saw one of my usual girls give me a hug and she ran up and gave me a giant hug. At that moment two or three more girls ran to give me a hug and practically tackled me. When this happened I guess I might have jabbed my finger into the girl with the blonde hair's eye. I felt bad, but the girl was really awesome. I asked if she could breathe and she thought I was the oddest duck. To her defense, I am.

Well this girl helped everyone else color/draw the things they couldn't for our letters to the troops. She was definitely a positive force within the class and it was awesome to see her patience and calm demeanor when dealing with grabby demanding fellow students.

Way to go girl with blonde hair!

Day 37 – Brandt Smith from the UCO VSLC

I love going into office with a purpose and being
comfortable enough to talk about important topics with a person I don’t know. I
went into UCO’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center to speak with Brandt
Smith about several questions regarding tracking volunteer hours.
We talked about his finger he accidentally sawed part of
off, AmeriCorps, future careers at UCO, my long-term career goals and different
fun topics overall. It was very enjoyable to just sit down with someone who has
just enough passion, hardworking attitude and head going a million different
directions as I do, probably more. I told him I love talking with people who
have the job I want. We talked for over an hour during the final hour of
business! I mean really? Who sits down with a student to chat about something
for 45 minutes longer than needed at the end of the day? Someone who is
awesome, that’s who!

So thank you Brandt Smith for taking more than the time to
share with me answers, ideas and possibly a future job once my first term of
AmeriCorps is over.


Who can you take extra time for?

Day 36 - Leadership Capstone students

Sometimes it’s nice to know you inspire people, even if it’s
just that they are glad you went first. I made my very first “glog” for my
leadership capstone course and well, I had no idea what to do. I still don’t
know if I did it write and I feel it’s inadequate compared to what other people
wrote. Granted, I took forever to make mine because I’m not the free flowing
creative type but I’m trying to work on it through projects like this.
Anyways, I went for it and I made one. It may not be the
right format but I’ll find out once it’s graded. The worst that’s going to
happen is that I bomb it but luckily there is one more.
I posted the link on webct and I had a few comments just
saying they are glad I went first and some said they really liked the look of
it. Maybe they had nothing else to say, I don’t know, but it made me happy that
I made something creative and other people didn’t think it looked awful. J

I challenge each of you to go say something positive to
someone else. Compliment someone, give someone props, high five the person
walking your way. Just do something, ANYTHING, to make a positive impression on
somebody’s day. You never know just how much it might mean.

Day 35 - Applebee's Host

People who ask you a question and actually listen to your response are wonderful. Thank you for finding the one spot without televisions in sight.

Also, every Friday and Saturday Applebee's has half-price apetizers.

Day 34 - My doctor

Thank you for taking my word on needing a pink eye prescription without me having to drive over there and visit you. You are a saint!

Day 33 - Professor Moinette

Let me first start by saying I hate the way Spanish is taught at UCO, at least for two of my courses. I felt belittled, stupid and like I should just give up. Saying that, I think the professors who taught those two courses are great people who it would be fun to grab a drink with.

Now, to the one Spanish teacher at UCO who made me want to try again. Thank you professor Moinette for believing in me, pushing me to practice more and not making me feel like a child cornered in a room.

Today, before regaining my 102 temperature, I was at UCO and leaving a meeting. I saw this wonderful professor and as she was walking up the stairs she said "hola." With a big grin I replied and she then asked "como estas." I told her, in Spanish of course, that I was doing well, very well. It turns out she was doing well too.

To tell you the truth, I was sick, tired of my cough feeling contradictions between a leadership opportunity and a giving back scholarship opportunity, but she made my day all around.

I wish I could say more but let me end with this thought. I don't think teachers realize their full power of inspiring people or rather their influence in making a student change their major, give up on something they loved or some other similar experience. They have the potential to change a students life for the better and also to change it for the worse.

This photo was courtesy of google.

Day 32 - The employers at the UCO Career & Internship fair

I have been to well, many of these types of fairs not just at UCO but also at my former college, Oklahoma City Community College. Well today's was different and by far the best experience I've had.
Now maybe this had something to do with graduation coming up or knowing my AmeriCorps term ends in August, but I just liked this one and all the people.
The employers were outgoing and approached the students without hesitation. Usually it resembles a middle school dance where the employers are a bunch of girls talking with each other and the student as the one boy trying to be brave enough to ask one of 'the pack' for a dance.

Personally, I found a couple future opportunities but nothing immediate. I just wish the Marine recruiters were not present. I swear the military recruiters all know my weak spot, the military. Specifically the longing to be a part of something larger that is structured and goal-oriented.

Day 31 – Richard Pearsall

My dad is cooler than your dad, just saying. Okay, so I know this blog is supposed to be all positive and that might have been mean of me, but really. Have you met my dad? He is the all-around good guy. He takes half the neighbors trashcans out, collects mail and newspapers when their out and mows their lawns when he knows they are having a hard time or are gone for the week.

Well today my dad was on the way to the gym when he got my text asking if he left yet. So he called me already halfway to the gym. He turned around at the next exit, went home, picked up some items and came over to my place just to give them too me. He brought me cough medicine, that mint rub for your chest and some fancy vitamin c drink powder (I didn’t use the later.)

I guess I’m much more of a daddy’s girl then I admit, but he is really cool dad to have. He is who I probably get the natural instinct of helping others, being active and chatting it up.

I remember him coaching soccer, leading some association and he even played on several teams. I also remember him coming to every game, competition and award ceremony I ever had. To set the record straight, the only extracurricular I have ever been decent at were karate and JROTC. When I played the final two minutes of a basketball game or two plays in football, he came. He came, he watched and he was proud.

My dad is one cool dude.

Day 30 - Linda from Aikido

I have a few international students that are in an aikido class with me and they are some of the coolest people I have met at UCO. Througout the night I was partnered with most of them at some point. Well, I won't focus on all but on Linda.
Linda and I were working on a self defense technique when I soon realized she is double jointed. Now I don't think there was a translation for this word but in either case, I was amazed at what she did with her arm.
Amazed as I was, I wanted to know a variation of the technique I could do for double-jointed people. So I took Linda over to the instructor and asked. Then I showed the girls (her friends included) next to us. Soon all the girls were giddy in this odd but interesting find.
At the end of class the instructor brought it up and soon the entire class was wiggling their arms trying to figure out how Linda moves the way she does.

What I'm trying to say, unsuccessfully I'm sure, is that this gal from another country took my public amazement with stride and good spirit.

She rocks!

Day 29 – Bryce Lumbert

So I may give my nephew a lot of grief but he is actually a really cool kid. I drove to my sister’s house to pick up some girl scout cookies (IF YOU NEED ANY HERE IS MY SHAMELESS PLUG, YOU SHOULD ASK ME OR COMMENT BELOW!!!) I saw Bryce and a friend shooting some hoops in the driveway.

Bryce was on one of those fancy skateboards that move side-to-side and was shooting hoops while on it! I asked him how hard it was and he let me try. Needless to say, I should wear protective gear for future attempts.

So although he didn’t do anything too stunning, besides let me try some of his gadgets I just wanted to spend my final minute bragging on him.

He is a ridiculously talented kid who probably never realizes this because we all give him such a hard time. (We are a very sarcastic family.) Although his passion seemed to be sports, videogames and movies he is developing into a well-rounded person. He plays cello is hoping to play for his school football and baseball team and he still makes time to hang out with his friends. Keep in mind, my sister and her family just moved and Bryce has managed to transition better than anyone and has made some new friends in the neighborhood.

So yes, I give him grief and yes he is pretty cool kid.

Day 28 - Joey Senat

There is a guy. His name is Joey Senate. He is one of the gods of journalism, specifically laws, in Oklahoma. He is always posting in the Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association Facebook group. Not only does he post but he is a pro about media because he replies. I know a paper's lab director and she posted a question about records and wether a particular situation was illegal or legal for her school to do. Mr. Senat within 24 hours replied in detail along with a recommended website.
Besides his events over Facebook, he is a genuinely nice person. There is a yearly conference and completion for Oklahoma student newspapers in I believe April. The conference following my friend's death was an emotional one. I had already graduated but was still close with the newspaper family. We found out he placed but would not know what until the actual conference. I told his parents and they wanted to go. Well neither them nor myself had registered but Joey let us register and waived our fees. Why? Because he is a wonderful man who respected where Ethan would have gone on to be and what would have been his role as the editor.

Day 27 - The graduate student who debates

Have you ever been sure of something but your friend disagreed? You start to explain your point and your friend begins to int erupts. Naturally you raise your voice, to make sure said friend clearly hears the point. 10 minutes later and you both are walking away while screaming at each other, point not made?
If so, you and your friend should work on some communication skills.

In my leadership ethics course there is one graduate student. Today we talked about JoPa, aka, Joe Patterno. I had viewpoints. He had viewpoints. We both shared our sides in an excited, but natural way. When we understood the why behind the point we found that we agreed on several points. Our views just varied.

Anyways, my point is we had a friendly debate and no one won nor did anyone lose. In a debate such as this, there is only listening and explaining. Next time your with your friends, family, coworkers or god forbid, your academic advisor, please take heed and listen, understand and hear what the other is saying.

Day 26 - UCO student volunteer

Volunteers are the essential, yet forgotten, part of many places. They are the ones who can step in with an outside perspective to better handle a situation. I saw a female UCO student come out of nowhere and help a little girl who was crying after she fell. This student is one of my fellow volunteers at a school I help with. She is consistently there and I merely help with the after-school program a couple times a week.
I won't lie, sometimes kids get to me, but so do adults and it is nice to have someone else who can handle one situation. This not only allowed me to watch my other kids but to handle the impending argument of whose turn it is at dodgeball.

So next time you see a volunteer, say thank you.

Day 25 - Rusty Surette

Today the UCO PRSSA had their first spring meeting. Usually the first meeting of any organization is lacking. This was different. The group wrangled Rusty Surette to speak. He is the Head of Communications at the Oklahoma American Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma. Mr. Surette is both comical and informative. I'm glad I decided to attend this meeting, it was definitely worth my time. Surette answerd my questions which began a chain reaction of thoughts to pour in.

So WHY is he on here? As a professional, he took the time out of his own day (which is very hectic) to speak with a group of college students. What better way to give back to your community than to educate those who will one day fill your shoes.


Has anyone experienced something similar?

Day 24 - Camp Fire USA

As many of the people around me know, I am serving a year with AmeriCorps. It's like PeaceCorps for the states, although autocorrect still does not believe AmeriCorps is a word. That is beside the point. My service falls directly under Camp Fire USA. I LOVE my job. I left a supervisor position with double the pay for this, and I don't regret it.
The staff at CF are more of a family. Whenever a member leaves or it is someones birthday the "family" pitches in a few dollars to get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store. Heck, even lunches are chipped in for.
It's been a confusing, but wonderful transition to a business where every person will say good morning as well as goodbye. I've been asked more times if I want something from a particular restaurant than I've ever actually eaten out.
I wish I had more time to share more about this great group, but I just wanted to share how awesome they are.

p.s. Search "Camp Fire USA - Heart of Oklahoma."

Day 23 - The man with a smile

A picture may say a thousand words, but a genuine smile can calm a thousand emotions. While in one of my particular classes I found myself feeling doubt, disappointment and discouraged. I felt like a complete outsider and inadequate in my own abilities. I led a discussion and I thought I might have well read the wrong case, and I would have done better.
Through these feelings of failure, I felt okay. I persevered through the muddy disaster. Why? Because one gentleman in front wore a warmhearted smile.
Something so simple made the world of difference.

What can you do today?

Day 22 - The couple with two dogs

To the couple walking around Lake Overholser with their two dogs, good job. Exercising when facing a Oklahoma wind is an achievement on its own, but doing so as a family shows real commitment.

Day 21 - Chase Godfrey

So I met a guy on craigslist about a year and a half ago, when he became my roommate. Since then we have grown a friendship that I'm quite fond of. Now I could probably write something about him every day but let's just say today he bought groceries. Well, to be more specific, about 10 different beverages. Now don't lose track, these are drinks like four gallons of milk and four gallons of water as well as orange juice and I believe one or two more things.
Besides grocery shopping this man always does more than anyone should. He is kind, sweet and shows chivalry to those who are close to him. He has more issues handed his way but manages to keep his head afloat and hold a positive conversation even when everything else is on his mind.
I'm glad craigslist helped me to find such a wonderful dude.

Day 20 - The two who didn't yell

When stuck in traffic are you the one rocking out in your car or maybe you are making use of your time by catching up with someone on the phone. Or are you the one who is yelling at everyone else? While driving with Casey to his parents, we were stopped at a light. Our looks became that of confusion as we watched some car turning at a deathly slow pace and a larger vehicle following close behind it.
After the small car made the turn is when I saw that two people were pushing it into a store lot. Well Casey and I kept watching and wondered why this large vehicle seemed to be tailgating the former. When the little car stopped, the two men left and jumped into the larger car. They had gotten out of their own car in order to help the woman that drove the stalled car in front of their vehicle.
This is the type of act of kindness that makes me think and also makes me proud of the people around me.

The kid who I forget is not an adult

Have you ever met someone so young that acted so mature? Someone you may push too hard as if they are an adult but in reality they were only in elementary school? Well I know such a person. This girl is amazing in every sense of the word. During this program I help with, she keeps everyone in line. I can tell the other kids look up to her. Everyone does what she says, for the most part, even if what she says is the exact same thing I or another adult has been saying for 10 minutes.
I don’t think she understand just how much I appreciate everything she does. First I am glad that the younger kids have a positive role model in their life and second I am glad there is someone who can help me communicate with other generations.
So to this particular gal I want to say thank you. You’re a strong, encouraging and uplifting person. If you continue on this path I believe you will go on to do further good deeds.

Day 18 - The girl who watched a random person's purse

Sometimes you just really have to pee. What do you do when your carrying a million things, the restroom is small and you know no one around? Well, you might do what I witnessed one young lady did. She saw a girl she recognized from a class, excused herself for interrupting and asked if she would mind watching her things.
Well this post could applaud both young women. The one sitting down gladly watched a stranger's items. However, the other young lady, once back from relieving herself, sat down and had a wonderful conversation. She started topics about class, schedules, professors, jobs and general interests.
Now looks should not determine characteristics and we should not be judgmental but I admit, I had bias that I didn't know about. The one sitting down was a bit larger, more down to earth looking and slightly hidden in solitude. The one who approached her looked like a preppy model. Without knowing it, I imagined their roles slightly different in this story but I was happy with the ending.

Day 17 - The kid that gave me a hug

Some days are just plain long and today was no exception. I'm on medication and it should be noted that I am a lightweight when it comes to anything medicated. I slept about seven hours but about an hour after I took said medicine, I was thoroughly ready to go back to bed. Instead, I went to work.
On days like this the simplest gestures mean the most. A kid in the after school program I work with came up and gave me two hugs. He reminded me that life is something you should smile upon.
Today I needed that hug and tomorrow I will pass it on.

Who will you hug today?

Day 16 – Josh Pearsall

I know it seems I am running through my family but I feel it would be wrong to exclude them for that reason alone. So let me brag on my brother, Josh. Besides being the most amazing role model to me, he is a leader to those he works around.
My brother gave Casey and I a very nice dresser, and a larger one was much needed, but he did more than. He helped me move it today, listened to me rant about everything from school to life to well, everything.
He is great friend, and prankster. He is a magnificent husband to Hollis and a soon to be wonderful dad. Josh goes above and beyond the usual of any of these roles. He calls my parents, sister and I just to check up on us and see how things are going about every other week. He bought some device that allows Hollis and himself to listen to their baby’s heartbeat, which he texted me a sound bite.
He is always there for me in every sense of the meaning. He gives me advice about finances, such as where to invest and how, listens to me speak in what seems like a fast-forward pace and well, is just plain awesome. I’m glad to have grown up in the family that I have and I am proud to say Josh is my brother. He rocks!

Day - 15 City of Mustang facebook page

Now I am aware that I write about good things people do but I must say, I love the facebook page for the City of Mustang. It's an open forum where community memos support each other. I skimmed it today and there were a few new posts but each had several replies. The willingness for one person to eagerly help another and the online access to do so is mainly why I love the page.
The second reason i feel I need to share, is that it's my hometown. toI love community and this is where I can see it even after graduating and leaving the area. My heart will always be with the people there.

Day 14 - Random guy with the Stealers jacket

I love random acts of kindness. I love good people. I love hospitality. Casey and I went to the OSU-OKC Farmers Market this morning and it was AMAZING! It was my first time to go and I walked around with my jaw wide open. There could have been drool and I probably wouldn't have noticed.

Well I came upon this booth with chocolate, I complimented the man with a Stealers jacket and then ended up having a small conversation about Pennsylvania, Penn State and the Stealers. I also told him it was my first time there, at which point Casey came over and introduced himself.

The man with the Stealers jacket told us which booths to check out and bought us a fudge sample. It was DELICIOUS!!!

Now not that I'm saying people should expect gifts or should constantly be shelling out money, but I do love honest hard working people who are friendly enough to give advice and pay $2.50 for a piece of heaven.

Thank you Mr. Guy with Stealers jacket

Day 13 - Random guy helping girl study

First off I had a moral debate on whether to change the time so it showed as if I posted yesterday but I decided against it. I am still writing about a person from the day before but I am sorry, I failed to post by midnight.

As for my person of the day...I walked into my ethics course and I saw this girl who seemed to be listing off all the menu items at McAlester's to this guy who was holding a menu. Once I was closer I heard the girl recite the ingredients from various items.

It turns out the girl was aiming for a job at the restaurant and had a menu test later that day and the guy is a current employee who was trying to help her out.

Comment below and share with me, who have you helped today?

Day 12 - Matthew the karate kid

Today I forgot a kid. Well, not like I left him somewhere but rather I forgot he hadn't sparred (fought). In fact, I thought he had and we almost finished class with everyone sparring but him.
When the failure was noticed, I grabbed someones hand gear and jumped right in the ring. Matthew, a white belt (lowest rank), took on myself, a first degree black belt. Now usually I don't go all after a white belt but I had just come down from an upper belt fight where the goal was to make my opponent tired. This is much different than beating the crap out of someone, which is highly discouraged and is not allowed in or outside of class.
Well Matthew the karate kid took me on and absolutely did astounding. He punched in combination, kicked me several times and stood his ground. I am so Incredibly proud of this kid. His heart, dedication and the endurance he showed makes me proud to be one of his senseis. I am proud, but you should have seen the look on his face.
Way to go and a high five for Matthew.

Day 11 - Jeremy Tanequodle

I met Jeremy nearly a year ago. We were cheering on our friend as she competed in a UCO pageant. He seemed to be a really caring guy who would support lifelong friends in whatever their passion was.

Jeremy is now part of a leadership organization that I constantly rave on, the Transfer Leadership Council. He is a comical and very intellectual young man. I firmly believe that whatever he wants to do he will accomplish with his heart and head.

I know I usually write about a specific thing but I read another one of his facebook posts and it made me laugh and feel lighthearted, as usual.

"It's snowing! But what if a million people just had bad dandruff and decided to shake their heads at the same time?"

Thanks for giving everyone a reason to smile Mr. Tanequodle.

Day 10 - The graphic design woman

Sometimes we don't know the right answer, or even an answer at all. Other times we are filled with a know-it-all attitude. In either case, a humble person trying to help is always welcomed. Especially if the person can say "I'm not sure." Tonight I witnessed both and each act was many times exemplified by the woman I was sitting next to.
We were at our yearly condo association meeting when I had many questions. Let it be noted that the woman I refer to was attending any meeting for the first time. I'm not sure wha compelled me, but I asked her a million questions about the other people in the room. She answered a few, had no clue on many but on almost all she knew who to ask for the answer, and did.

So let me give thanks to evyone who does not stop with the unknown but either gives directions to where knowledge can be obtained or retrieves and disseminates it on their own time.

Day 9 - The direction giving professor

To whomever gave me direction and advice this morning, thank you. I didn't catch their name, although I'm sure it was a professor, but I wanted to say thanks.
I really appreciate the random acts of kindness and more so, the daily acts if being polite and having human compassion.

This is short and sweet, but I wanted to say thanks.

Day 8 - Mr. Sunflower Market checkout guy

Today has been a pretty wonderful day. Correction, it ended as a wonderful day. It started with me misplacing my wallet, calling in a search party and busting my toenail after kicking my tire. Of course the wallet was in an obvious (just not obvious enough for three people) place.

This is not why I blog, to tell you all about me. Instead it is about others. Today’s blog is about the WONDERFUL service Casey and I had at Sunflower Market. The checkout man was courteous, friendly and helpful!

This man went above and beyond just checking us out. He told us where to find coupons, about recipes using some of the ingredients we bought and even suggested a few of his favorite items. Did you know you can receive $.10 off for every bag you use of your own? It can even be a Walmart sack!

We had such a wonderful time at this store that I think it will be our regular stop. Although some things are more expensive, overall they are equal if not lesser price on most things.


So thank you Mr. Sunflower Market checkout guy!

Day 7 - Miguel Blanco

Sometimes all you have to do in life is ask. I met Miguel a year or so ago and he is one of the most caring college guys I know. Every so often I have a question, well actually I constantly have questions. At any rate, I have questions and sometimes in post questions to my Facebook. Well Miguel is a sweetheart. He replied instantly but that is not the entire point. What I want to say is that Miguel is a really good guy that is always willing to help others out. He is hard worker and dedicated to whatever it is he choses to do. I'm glad I met him, and I hope you meet him as well.

Who lent you a hand recently?